Wow, finally the date for the big day has been set and preparations are in full swing. What is most crucial to make the day a success, is for you, the very important guest, to accept your VIP invitation by registering to vote this weekend and then ensuring that you make your mark at your registered polling station, on November 1.

As a concerned resident you once again have the opportunity to exercise your democratic right to vote, in this very important forthcoming local election. The local government election (November 1) allows you, as a registered voter, to exercise two crucial votes, for both an individual (Ward Councillor), and a political party. On the first ballot form, you can vote for the candidate who you believe not only has a good track record in serving the community, but who also has the capability of standing up for the rights of residents, concerning local government issues.

Furthermore, you as a voter will be able to decide, through the second ballot paper, which political party will get your vote, to run the city of Tshwane. Therefore, it is so important for all residents living in Ward 61 (Laudium, Erasmia, Claudius, Itireleng and now also Gerhardsville), who are 18 years or older and have a valid South African ID, to register as a voter, this weekend, at the registration site (same site as polling station) nearest to you. You can also confirm if you are registered in your area, by sending an sms of your ID number to 32810. A special plea is made to the youth, who have recently turned 18 or will be turning 18 by November 1, to also register this weekend, (Saturday & Sunday between 8am-5pm).

*Remember in order to vote for a particular ward candidate, one has to be registered as a voter in the ward which the candidate is contesting.

**A number of political parties and independents, have indicated to the Laudium Sun, that they are planning to contest the election of November 1, in ward 61. However, the Laudium Sun is awaiting the final candidate list from the IEC, before publishing details of all the contesting candidates and political parties.

The registration sites for Ward 61 are…
* Laerskool Erasmia, Cnr Eli & Bodenstein Streets, Erasmia.
* Jacaranda Primary School, 330 Lilac Str, Laudium.
* Laudium Community Hall, Cnr Sixth & Fourth Ave, Laudium.
* Laudium Primary School Cnr 15th Ave & Carmine Str, Laudium.
* Rosina Sedibane School, Cnr Taj Str & 43 rd Ave, Laudium Ext 2.
* Himalaya Secondary School, Bengal Str, Laudium.
* Fern Gulley Nursery School – Gerhardsville.
Itireleng main entrance – Itireleng.